Crowns and Bridges

Dental Crowns

A crown is a protective shield fabricated from porcelain or gold materials in a dental laboratory. Each crown is customized to fix your natural bite, the size shape and color of your teeth. In areas where esthetics are not a concern but the strength of a crown is, a gold crown would be recommended over a porcelain one.

The first stage in treatment for a crown is the preparation by your dentist. The tooth is reduced to a healthy base that will either consist of all natural tooth or some filling material depending if tooth decay was a factor. Impressions are taken and sent to a laboratory for fabrications. During that time, your dentist will fabricate a temporary crown to wear.

Approximately two weeks after the impression, the crown is ready for insertion. The crown will be tried in and any minor adjustments needed prior to permanently cementing the crown.

A crown may be recommended by your dentist if:

The tooth presents with large cavities

Deteriorated fillings

Broken or chipped teeth

The tooth has undergone root canal therapy

While a crown is an easy, long-lasting way to repair tooth damage, eventually it will have to be replaced. Over time, leakage of bacteria underneath the crown can take place and a cavity may form. It is a good idea to be proactive to maintain a consistent, healthy smile. To extend the life of your crown be sure to exercise excellent home care and regular check-ups.

Dental Bridges

A bridge is very similar to a crown procedure but is utilized in replacing missing teeth. A bridge is fixed in the mouth and helps prevent the neighboring or opposing teeth to drift into the missing tooth space.

Decay underneath a bridge is the most common reason for bridge failure. It is imperative that flossing daily underneath the bridge is done to help prevent developing decay.

In order to have a long lasting bridge, strong teeth on either side of the missing tooth space is needed. Your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for a bridge option.